The global rehabilitation robots market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 25.0% during the forecast period. The major factors contributing to the market growth include a significant prevalence of spinal cord injuries and rising geriatric population. As per the data published by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, as of 2019, in the US, the new incidences of spinal cord injury (SCI) reported each year is 17,730 or 54 cases per one million people. As of 2019, the estimated number of individuals suffering from spinal cord injury in the US is nearly 291,000. Nearly 78% of new incidences were reported among males.

Since 2015-2018/2019, motor vehicle accidents are the major cause of SCI (39.3%), which is followed by falls (31.8%), acts of violence (13.5%), sports (8%), medical/surgical (4.3%), and other (3.1%). Nearly 2/3rd of sports injuries were reported from diving. Due to the SCI, most of the body parts, including legs, arms, trunk, and pelvic organs are affected. This leads to the emerging adoption of powered exoskeletons to offer a way to stand and walk for people suffering from severe SCI. ReWalk is a major instance of a wearable exoskeleton robot with powered hip and knee motion that provides support to people with SCI to walk, climb, stand upright, turn, walk, and descend stairs. It is the first exoskeleton gained FDA approval for personal and rehabilitation use in the US. This enables patients with SCI to practice over-ground real-world gait scenarios and provides the walking ability to the patients. The market has significant opportunity owing to the rising application of rehabilitation robots across industries to maintain the safety of the workers and increase productivity. However, the high cost of these systems is a major restraining factor for the market growth.

Market Segmentation

The global rehabilitation robots market is segmented based on type and end-user. Based on type, the market is classified into assistive, therapeutic, exoskeleton, and others. Based on end-user, the market is classified into rehabilitation centers, hospitals and clinics, and others. 

Exoskeleton robots are estimated to hold a significant share in the market

In 2019, exoskeleton robots are anticipated to hold a considerable share in the market owing to the rising demand for these robots in medical applications. Increasing geriatric population and people suffering from neurological disorders have emerged the need for exoskeleton robots for rehabilitation services in the medical field. As per the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the sales of powered exoskeletons were 6,068 units in 2017, increased from 5,581 units in 2016. Apart from medical applications, exoskeleton robots have been gaining significance in the automotive and construction industry as ergonomic support to reduce loads and increase production on recurring tasks including walking, bending, or squatting. The system facilitates the worker’s arms while conducting overhead tasks.

Global Rehabilitation Robots Market Share by Type, 2019 (%)

Regional Outlook

The global rehabilitation robots market is classified into four major regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). In 2019, North America is anticipated to witness a significant share in the market owing to the rising geriatric population in the region. As per the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the number of Americans ages 65 and older is expected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. This contributes to increasing age-related disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in the region. These disorders affect the physical functionality of the person, which leads to the emerging adoption of assistive and exoskeleton robots to perform practice movements led by the robot. In addition, significant awareness regarding robotic technologies is further driving its adoption in the region.

Global Rehabilitation Robots Market Growth, by Region 2020-2026

Market Players Outlook 

The major players operating in the market include BIONIK Laboratories Corp., Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc., CYBERDYNE, Inc., Kuka AG, and Össur hf. The market players are using certain strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations, and product launches, to expand market share and gain a competitive advantage. For instance, in August 2019, Ekso Rehabilitation robots Holdings, Inc. launched EksoNR, the next generation EksoGT, an intuitive exoskeleton device which is designed for neurorehabilitation. The device offers support to the patients to recover from stroke and other diseases to walk again with a natural gait.

It comprises software enhancements and new features that provide support to the patients and physical therapists to achieve significant benefits from rehabilitation session. It is equipped with a new touchscreen controller, EksoView enables physical therapists to intuitively adapt assistance to challenge patients with the use of real-time feedback and carry out outcome measures during application. EksoView offers visualization of several exercises beyond gait training, including lifting one leg, balancing, standing in place, squatting from sit-to-stand positioning, or to actively involve patients and accelerate the use of these helpful features.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global rehabilitation robots market. Based on the availability of data, information related to pipeline products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.